The Public Evisceration of Dr. Bob Sears - A Sign of Change?

More than just exposure of how Sears has
misrepresented vaccine science, Offit’s beautifully written piece represents an
AAP endorsed, frontline offensive on a very popular, very visible medical
family on the front pages of its journal, Pediatrics.As an organization prone to neutrality, this represents a fundamental change in the way of handling the growing
assault on vaccines.I might
suggest that a piece like Dr. Offit’s may never have seen the pages of an AAP
publication as recently as five years ago.This is progress.

While careful, thorough dissection of the antivax propaganda
is a critical first step to public education, reiteration of Offit’s message in the social media
will ultimately determine its destiny.The hearts and minds of frightened parents are won on Google, Twitter,
and the blogosphere.As of the
time of this post, a Google blog search for mention of this important article
shows rare mention.Myself and
other pediatrician bloggers who passionately advocate for children and their
needs were never notified.This is
a problem.

The American Academy of Pediatrics needs a clearly defined
social media strategy that takes full advantage of opportunities such as
this.Dr. Paul Offit is a champion
for parents, children and the AAP and his hard work needs translation onto social media
platforms.But as for now The
Problem with Dr. Bob’s Vaccine Schedule will remain quietly in the shadows.

More than just exposure of how Sears has
misrepresented vaccine science, Offit’s beautifully written piece represents an
AAP endorsed, frontline offensive on a very popular, very visible medical
family on the front pages of its journal, Pediatrics.As an organization prone to neutrality, this represents a fundamental change in the way of handling the growing
assault on vaccines.I might
suggest that a piece like Dr. Offit’s may never have seen the pages of an AAP
publication as recently as five years ago.This is progress.

While careful, thorough dissection of the antivax propaganda
is a critical first step to public education, reiteration of Offit’s message in the social media
will ultimately determine its destiny.The hearts and minds of frightened parents are won on Google, Twitter,
and the blogosphere.As of the
time of this post, a Google blog search for mention of this important article
shows rare mention.Myself and
other pediatrician bloggers who passionately advocate for children and their
needs were never notified.This is
a problem.

The American Academy of Pediatrics needs a clearly defined
social media strategy that takes full advantage of opportunities such as
this.Dr. Paul Offit is a champion
for parents, children and the AAP and his hard work needs translation onto social media
platforms.But as for now The
Problem with Dr. Bob’s Vaccine Schedule will remain quietly in the shadows.